People, not places

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

We all know the cliche, it's not the place it is the people. So, it is that my plans to make Sandy Hook were changed when I learned (a) that my #1 sister, Jane and my #1 Sea Knots friend, Suki would meet me at Chesapeake City, (b) that my boss was able to hire my favorite couseling colleague to start the school year with me, and (c) that my husband really does worry about it. Blessing my decision to turn around after spending two days at the northern most part of the Chesapeake were the 3 days that began my return. Day 1 averaged 12 knots with many runs in the 15-18 knot range; Day 2 averaged 10 knots with warm sunny breezes; Day 3 was misty rain, 5-7 knot average with near zero visibility downpour as I rounded from the Chesapeake onto the Elizabeth River.

All is so well back at the Ocean Marina in Portsmouth. I almost can't believe how easy this has all turned out. Lots of sailing left to do. Tomorrow I expect to transit the Dismal Swamp. Then, make my way to Cape Hatteras via the Pamlico Sound; continue south through Core Sound and with luck out the Beaufort Inlet to Wrightsville Beach. I so want to do some coastal sailing before returning to the hot, narrow portions of the ICW. Either way, I think of all my good friends, my supporters, and my sources of inspiration.

Now, you all go forth and do well,
Respectfully,
Marlene, the sailor girl

[Suky Cannon]

Happy to hear your voyage down the Chesapeake was so fun and easy... enjoy the rest of your sailing days ~ it was wonderful to meet Marlene, the sailor girl !